Having the world’s fourth largest population (280 million with 165 million of them under 30) and projected soon to be the world’s fourth largest economy, Indonesia clearly will make a significant contribution to the bloc.
Strategy
Indonesian President Prabowo heralds new focus on foreign policy, but balancing Beijing and Washington will continue.
Diplomatic efforts have resolved a saga that strained relations between the two countries.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto concluded his three-day state visit to China on Nov 10, after which he headed to the United States, before attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Lima, Peru.
The Australian Bureau of Meteorology on December 5, 2024, agreed to collaborate with the Indonesian Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) to enhance renewable energy planning through the effective utilization of weather data.
Geography isn’t everything in international relations, but it does explain a lot. You can’t choose the neighbours.
Chinese vessels in Indonesia’s North Natuna Sea present an early test for President Prabowo.
China and Indonesia recognise that they have overlapping claims in the South China Sea. However, this should not be construed as Indonesia’s acknowledging the legitimacy of the nine-dash line.
Indonesia aims to transform its naval forces from a green-water to a blue-water navy capable of projecting power beyond its maritime territory.
There is more to the eye in the official photo and video of Indonesia President Prabowo on the phone to President-elect Trump. Australia misses the vital details.
On November 15, Indonesian state-owned shipbuilder PT PAL Indonesia conducted the keel laying ceremony for the second Red White-class frigate in Surabaya City, East Java.
Indonesia’s new President Prabowo Subianto posted a video of his phone call congratulating Donald Trump on his reelection, during which the former special forces commander referenced his American “training” and called the US-president elect “sir” multiple times.
The Indonesian president was in Washington to meet US President Joe Biden, but it was a phone call with president-elect Donald Trump that has made headlines.
Prabowo doesn’t carry the same wariness of his predecessor – but nor is he going along with Russia and China’s agenda.
Indonesia has begun its first-ever joint naval drills with Russia while simultaneously conducting military exercises with Australian forces.
The presidency of Prabowo Subianto presents difficult choices for Australia. Robert Law asks, does Canberra need to re-write the diplomatic script on Indonesia?
